Lighting the path for mothers, children & youth.
Ilays Hooyo Organization (IHO) is a non-profit, non-political and community-driven organization working to protect, empower and uplift vulnerable families through education, protection, health and livelihoods support.
About Ilays Hooyo Organization
"Ilays Hooyo" means the light of the mother – symbolizing care, stability and hope at the heart of every family and community.
Ilays Hooyo Organization is a Somali-led, non-profit organization committed to supporting vulnerable families – especially women, children and youth – affected by conflict, displacement, poverty and recurrent shocks such as droughts.
We work hand-in-hand with communities, local authorities and partners to design context-appropriate solutions that protect dignity, promote education, improve health and nutrition, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Our approach is rooted in community participation, gender sensitivity, and the belief that lasting change comes from empowering people to lead their own development.
We co-design programs with the communities we serve, ensuring local ownership and cultural relevance.
Mothers and women are at the heart of our work, recognized as agents of change and resilience.
We use data and community feedback to continuously improve our programs and demonstrate impact.
We address interconnected needs – education, protection, health, and livelihoods – for lasting change.
Our Focus Areas
We work across four interconnected pillars to create lasting positive change in the lives of vulnerable families.
Providing access to quality education for children and youth, including literacy programs for mothers, vocational training, and life skills development.
Preventing and responding to gender-based violence, child abuse, and exploitation through awareness, safe spaces, psychosocial support, and legal aid.
Improving maternal and child health through nutrition programs, health education, access to clean water, and linkages to healthcare services.
Supporting families to achieve economic self-sufficiency through skills training, small business support, savings groups, and income-generating activities.
Strengthening community structures, training volunteers, and fostering local leadership to ensure sustainable, community-led development.
Providing rapid humanitarian assistance during droughts, floods, and displacement crises, including food, shelter, water, and protection services.
Impact & Reach
Measuring our progress and demonstrating tangible change in the communities we serve.
Since our establishment, Ilays Hooyo Organization has reached thousands of vulnerable families across Somalia, providing integrated support that addresses their most pressing needs.
Our programs are designed to create lasting change, building resilience and self-reliance while protecting the dignity and rights of women, children, and youth.
Programs & Initiatives
Integrated programs designed to address the interconnected needs of vulnerable families in Somalia.
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Mother & Child Nutrition ProgramAddressing malnutrition through supplementary feeding, nutrition education, and growth monitoring for mothers and children under 5.
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Girls' Education InitiativeIncreasing school enrollment and retention for girls through scholarships, safe learning spaces, and community engagement.
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Women's Economic EmpowermentSupporting women to start and grow small businesses through skills training, seed grants, and savings groups.
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Child Protection NetworkPreventing and responding to child abuse, exploitation, and violence through community-based protection mechanisms.
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Emergency Drought ResponseProviding life-saving assistance to drought-affected families, including food, water, and emergency health services.
"Through the business training and small loan, I started a tailoring shop. Now I can support my children's education and we have enough food every day."
"I was out of school for 2 years. The scholarship program brought me back. Now I dream of becoming a teacher to help other girls like me."
"Our village now has trained volunteers who watch over our children. Parents know where to report concerns and children feel safer."
"My son was severely malnourished. The nutrition program saved his life. He is now healthy, active, and attending school regularly."
Partners & Supporters
Working together with local and international partners to maximize our impact and reach.
Contact Us
Interested in partnering, supporting our work, or learning more? We'd love to hear from you.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (EAT)